Buzz
The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is a fascinating bird. It’s plump, unable to fly, and active at night. As the world’s heaviest parrot, it emits a scent reminiscent of blossoms and honey. Tragically, it is also critically endangered.
With just 125 kakapos left in the wild, these birds inhabit a handful of small islands near New Zealand. Conservationists closely monitor them, striving for decades to boost their population. Despite their efforts, progress has been inconsistent, leaving scientists to witness the gradual decline of these unique and endearing creatures.
However, hope remains for the kakapo. A researcher believes she might have discovered a potential solution: dietary vitamins.
The answer lies within the issue itself. During breeding season, the kakapo prefers the berries of the rimu tree (Dacrydium cupressinum). In productive years, the rimu produces an abundance of fruit. However, such fruitful seasons have been rare recently, with the trees bearing fruit only twice in the last three decades.
Researchers have tried to supplement the birds' diets with specially designed food pellets. While the kakapos enjoyed these meals, they failed to breed afterward, indicating a missing critical nutrient.
Earlier blood tests showed that the kakapos lacked sufficient calcium, but even calcium-fortified food didn’t solve the problem.
According to Pamela von Hurst, a nutrition scientist at Massey University, the solution might be straightforward: the birds require more vitamin D.
Von Hurst and her team conducted a dual-phase experiment. They first examined the rimu berries and discovered they were rich in calcium and vitamin D. Next, they tested the kakapos' blood, confirming the parrots were deficient in vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. For the kakapo, its most vital function is aiding calcium absorption. Without sufficient calcium, these birds cannot maintain their dense bones or produce healthy eggs. However, with adequate calcium, their survival prospects improve.
Von Hurst recently shared her research findings in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Conservation teams plan to incorporate vitamin D into new versions of supplemental feed for the kakapo. Additionally, Kevin Hackwell from New Zealand’s Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society mentioned to New Scientist that this year looks promising for rimu berries. He stated, 'If everything goes smoothly, we could see up to 25 chicks.'
